Letter to the Editor: Family Thanks Plum Firefighters, Community

A family from Stonehaven Court is thanking local fire departments after a fire destroyed a home last week.

Dear Editor, I am writing you on behalf of my parents Dom and Pam Ricciuti, and my brother, Johnathan. They were victims of the house fire at 50 Stonehaven Court in Plum Borough last Thursday evening. I was hoping that you could extend our sincerest thanks publicly to our family, friends & community for the outreach of support and help that has been offered to our family in this time of need. They are obviously devastated by the fire, but have been so touched by all the support they have been shown. Their neighbors made every effort possible to save their home. One neighbor attempted to put the fire out himself. Many others attempted to call 911. One other neighbor contacted the Renton VFD directly when the 911 system was “to busy” to …

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Heidi's On It

Running Strong: One Week After the Boston Marathon

Last week's events at the Boston Marathon shook the running community, but after tragedy, comes strength.

The past week has been one of tragedy and triumph for the running community. Two brothers are accused of planting two bombs near the Boston Maraton finish line. The explosions killed three people—a police officer also was killed by the alleged bombers a few days later—and injured hundreds of runners/spectators. Despite being a running newbie—I've only seriously considered myself a runner for a year—the bombings at the Boston Marathon hurt me to the core. The Boston Marathon is no doubt one of the biggest running events in this country. Days before the marathon, I was daydreaming in bed about how one day I would make it there. Fast forward a few days, and there it was. Chaos. As I watched the news coverage immediately following reports of …

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Patch Poll: Are You For or Against Police DUI Checkpoints or Patrols?

Some people favor efforts by local DUI task forces to combat intoxicated drivers, but others worry that it's more a "police state" tactic.

Throughout Pennsylvania—and locally—drinking and driving is one of the top safety issues for police. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Crash Facts and Statistics booklet, there were 11,805 alcohol-related crashes in the state in 2011, down from 12,426 alcohol-related crashes in 2010. Alcohol-related deaths decreased from 459 to 428 in that same period. In 2011, alcohol-related deaths were 33 percent of the total traffic deaths in Pennsylvania, a nearly steady rate over the last several years. Throughout the state, local police widely use sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols to help take intoxicated drivers off the road. The efforts also serve to prevent and deter drinking and driving. The East Hills DUI …

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Patch Poll: During What Times Should Municipalities Restrict Noisy Activities?

A concern about noisy nighttime trash collections in a North Hills community raises a bigger question of whether trash collection, lawn mowing, construction and other noisy activities in Pittsburgh's suburbs should have time limits.

Complaints from residents in a North Hills community have brought to light a problem that many municipalities have faced over time—when to restrict noise-making activities. Noise at night has been the topic of conversation at many board of commissioners and council meetings throughout the Pittsburgh area over the years. Ross Township commissioners are amending an ordinance to restrict the collection of garbage from commercial and/or non-residential areas from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. Currently, trash collection is not allowed in Ross between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. under an ordinance enacted in 1993. The township's decision was made after residents complained about noisy, night garbage collections near three North Hills School District buildings. …

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Pet Adoptions: Ralphie Needs a New Home!

Ralphie is 5 years old and his former family called him "a 91 pound lap dog."

Say hello to Ralphie! Ralph was adopted from the Animal Rescue League and then turned into another shelter who transferred him back to the ARL. He is now 5 years old and his former family told us that Ralph is a 91 pound lap dog. He got along well with other dogs and children. His family also told the ARL staff that Ralph was mostly housebroken, but that he had an occasional accident. Ralph apparently did not like to be left alone. He would try to escape, bark or chew inappropriate items when left alone. The ARL reccommends a home where Ralph would not need to be left alone for long. They also recommend a strong crate and lots of great chew toys for Ralph when he needs to be left alone. Ralph knows quite a few commands and walks …

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Rothfus: Balanced Budget Fosters Job Creation and Protects Seniors

Plum Congressman Keith Rothfus discusses the need for a balanced federal budget.

A balanced budget is critical for growing a healthier economy, adding jobs, and ensuring that we have the money to preserve and protect Medicare and Social Security and promote a strong national defense. The budget plan approved by the House last week, which I supported, balances in ten years and will lead to greater economic prosperity for all Americans. The surging debt and persistent deficits run up by the federal government are not abstractions. They are a threat to our economy, national security, seniors, and veterans. Today, every American’s share of the national debt exceeds $53,000. That would pay for a family’s groceries for nearly seven years or a four-year degree at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. To appreciate the …

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Patch Poll: How Would You Rate the Region's Infrastructure?

Take our poll and give a grade to the roads, bridges and other parts of the public infrastructure.

The American Society of Civil Engineers has released its 2013 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. Every four years, the ASCE grades the nation, state by state, on the condition and performance of the nation’s infrastructure in the form of a school report card—assigning letter grades that are based on physical condition and needed fiscal investments for improvement. Put mildly, the country didn't do so well. America's GPA (grade point average) came in at a D+. The ASCE says some investment is needed to raise that GPA—an estimated $13.6 trillion by 2020. Pennsylvania fared a little better, earning a C- as its grade. The report card indicates the state has 852 high-hazard dams, 5,540 structurally deficent bridges and notes that 57 …

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Margaret French

9:30 pm on Sunday, April 7, 2013

cc-He/she is so uninformed. Pitiful-huh? But unfortunately a lot of the population is. Maybe they will realize it when we are all living like Little House on the Prairie.   more ›

Patch Pets

Patch Pets: Meet Adam & Eve

These siblings from the Animal Rescue League need a home.

Cats Adam and Eve need a home! The almost 3-year-old domestic Shorthair/Mix siblings are at the Animal Rescue League of Western PA because their owner has been hospitalized. The kitties originally were adopted from the shelter as kittens. Eve is very playful, according to volunteers at the shelter. Adam is a little more subdued but responds quickly to petting and a soft word. If you have any questions, email catladycam@gmail.com.  _______________________ Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.

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Patch Poll: Should UPMC Be Considered a Nonprofit?

Or does it act more as a business? And what about the other major nonprofits in the area?

In a June 2012 "Taxpayer Alert," Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner questioned the fairness of nonprofits that have expanded their roles beyond the traditional definition of a charitable organization, but still maintain tax-exempt status. "In these challenging financial times, it is our duty and responsibility to address the questions raised by a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling and determine if properties are used for a truly charitable purpose," Wagner said in the report. "While exemptions are justified for clearly charitable organizations such as churches, soup kitchens and many others, some are plainly unfair." A 2012 state Supreme Court decision has given local governments a tool to challenge the loopholes in a five-…

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